Which of the following roles must not be taken on by the Director of Nursing regularly?

The role of providing direct care to residents on a regular basis is not one that the Director of Nursing (DON) should typically take on. The DON's primary responsibilities are managerial and administrative, focusing on overseeing the nursing department, ensuring compliance with regulations, and managing staff.

While it is beneficial for the DON to have direct care experience, taking on regular direct care tasks can detract from their ability to fulfill their leadership duties effectively. Regular direct care responsibilities can lead to potential conflicts in prioritizing the needs of residents versus the operational needs of the nursing staff and the institution.

In contrast, providing direct care to a few residents occasionally can be appropriate for maintaining a connection to patient care, while delegating tasks to nursing staff and monitoring patient well-being are crucial duties that align with the DON’s role in ensuring quality care and staff support.